Kathlyn Kirkwood

Kathlyn KIRKWOOD (née Dixon) Ph.D. (1972-2019).

Dr. Kathlyn Kirkwood, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Ottawa, a brilliant woman and dedicated scholar with a passion for student learning and cryptic crosswords, was taken tragically from her family on Monday, October 28, 2019 at the age of 47 years after a long battle against cancer.

She built a beautiful and accomplished life with her husband and partner in science of 25 years, Sean Kirkwood (ilu). She is survived by her young children, Cecily and Liam, whom she adored with all her heart and for whom she fought every step to spend one more day with them. Dear daughter of Owen and Rosemary Dixon, who also survive her and for whom her heart broke for the pain this disease has caused them.

Kathlyn also leaves behind her immediate family who loved her deeply: her aunt Judith Craig, and uncle Geoffrey (Jackie) Langford and their families; her uncles Ron (Lise), Keith, and Barry (Ruth) Dixon and their families; her mother and father-in-law, Mike and Nancy Kirkwood; her brother and sisters-in-law: Tim (Krystal) Kirkwood, and Crystal (Kim) Kirkwood as well as her nephews and niece.

Kathlyn’s family is grateful for the love and support of friends and family who have helped them through this tragedy. We are also grateful to her many doctors who fought alongside her and for the loving care given by the staff of the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice in her last month. The family will hold a Memorial Gathering to honour her at:

The Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes

3440 Richmond Road, Nepean

(between Bayshore and Baseline Rd)

on Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 2 to 4 p.m. with words of remembrance shared at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the University of Ottawa would be appreciated as her Department has honoured her with the Kathlyn Kirkwood Memorial Scholarship Fund. Gifts will support undergraduate chemical engineering students in Kathlyn’s memory. Tributes, condolences, and donations may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com or at engineering.uottawa.ca/kathlyn-kirkwood where you will find a tribute page to her. We also welcome you to donate to the charity of your choice.